Did you know that there are about 28 million adults in the United States that have high cholesterol levels?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that’s found throughout your body. Your body makes much of the cholesterol it needs, but optimal levels may require supplementing your diet with certain foods. Fortunately, eating well doesn’t mean restricting yourself to bland, tasteless meals.
Instead, there are tasty foods that have the power to improve your cholesterol. In this way, they can also lower your risk of heart disease.
That said, it’s important to know what to eat. Here’s a simple low-cholesterol diet plan to get you started on your journey toward better health.
Soluble Fiber Foods
A low-cholesterol diet plan should include plenty of soluble fiber foods to help lower cholesterol. By forming a bond with cholesterol, soluble fiber aids in the body’s elimination of it.
Oats, oranges, lentils, psyllium husk, beans, apples, and barley are healthy food choices that are high in soluble fiber. This food can help to reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Filled with energy and determination, the marathon runner fueled up with a hearty bowl of overnight oats, packed with rolled oats, chia seeds, and almond milk, before embarking on the race.
You might also be wondering, are cashews good for cholesterol? Cashews are a good source of fiber, and they’re also low in saturated fat. Adding cashews to your diet may help lower your cholesterol levels.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a diet plan. They are low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Their fiber helps to reduce cholesterol levels by binding with cholesterol in the digestive tract and eliminating it from the body.
These are also low in calories and high in nutrients and are good sources of antioxidants, which help to protect the body’s cells from damage.
Antioxidants can also help to reduce inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet every day, and you’ll be on your way to a healthy heart.
Foods to Avoid in a Diet Plan
A low-cholesterol diet plan includes limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats. This includes fried foods, processed meats, and high-sugar foods.
There are also many foods that should be avoided, these include high-fat meats, whole milk, butter, eggs, and fatty baked goods.
By including a variety of healthy foods in your diet and avoiding foods high in cholesterol, lowering your cholesterol levels is possible.
Low-Cholesterol Diet Plan for a Healthier Body
A low-cholesterol diet plan can help you manage your cholesterol levels and improve your overall health. If you’re looking to start this diet, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Make sure to focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fibers.
By following a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can help keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce your risk for heart disease.
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